Does their performance, match their looks?
Today, I’m introducing a brand that supports fighters like Michael Bisping, the Ruotolo brothers, and Max Holloway—if you’re a hardcore fan, you already know I’m talking about Sanabul.
If you haven’t heard of them before, chances are you’re new to the fight gear scene, because Sanabul has definitiely grown into a household name in the past 5–10 years, and after reaching out to their team, I was super lucky to get my hands on a few items, including:
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Sanabul Gold Strike Boxing Gloves (14oz)
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Gold Strike Shin Guards
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Battleforged Muay Thai Gloves
Today however, we’re taking a deep dive into the 14oz Gold Strike boxing gloves, and while they look amazing, the big question is… Do they perform as well as they look?
Weight & First Impressions
The gloves weighed in at 13.6 oz and 13.5 oz, slightly under but not by much. For me, anything within an ounce of the stated weight is fine—especially if it still protects you and your training partner.
The profile is very much a western-style glove with a rounded head, mid width, plush exterior, and a flush side profile. The wrist strap sits over the top, which looks good but isn’t my favorite for sparring. I prefer a recessed strap that tucks under for extra safety and less possible Velcro snags.
Design & Stitching
Visually, the matte white finish with gold piping and stitching screams premium. Honestly, they give off limited-edition Stormtrooper vibes if that makes sense, very clean, bold, and futuristic.
Most of the stitching is excellent, some of the best I’ve seen, but around the rubber label overlays, the stitching bunches up. It’s a minor letdown on an otherwise beautifully finished glove.
One small but appreciated detail? An elastic strip situated inside of the palm, which helps keep the glove’s opening shut tight, giving the user a slightly more secure feel, especially helpful in Velcro gloves where laces are absent.
Materials & Comfort
The outer is a synthetic engineered leather, grainy and textured, but still smooth. It’s the same material used by reputable Aussie brands and is surprisingly durable. If you didn’t know better, you might even think it was real leather.
Inside, the lining is a silky nylon/polyester blend, which feels incredibly smooth and hides foam/stitching imperfections well. This kind of lining is typically found on gloves over $100 USD, so it’s a pleasant surprise at this price point.
The hand compartment is roomy in both width and length which is great news for those with longer or larger hands. I didn’t notice any interior discomfort or bunched stitching either.
The downside? The thumb area is very tight, with limited flexibility even after months of use. So if you like a thumb with give, be prepared to break it in.
Wrist Support & Build Quality
Let’s talk wrist support.
The Velcro strap is shorter than usual, which looks sleek but doesn’t offer much added support. Plus, the way it’s stitched to the glove is not ideal. Instead of being fully integrated into the palm-side leather, it’s stitched externally, a known weak point that can reduce long-term durability.
But here’s the trade-off: the IMF foam structure beneath the wrist provides good natural resistance and neutral positioning. This means if you land a shot awkwardly, your wrist won’t collapse easily. There’s also softer foam on the inside and stiff side panels, which boost comfort and help with parrying.
Knuckle Padding & Performance
Here’s where things get interesting.
The gloves use Injected Molded Foam (IMF), which is normally great for shock absorption. But during bag and pad work, I felt more pain than expected, more than any other glove I’ve tested recently. And that’s not something I take lightly.
Could it have been bad form? A stiff bag? Maybe. But when I rotate through several pairs of gloves regularly, and one causes hand pain, I tend to think the cause is probably the glove itself.
That said, for sparring, these gloves are a winner. The IMF padding provides excellent protection for both me and my sparring partners. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them for Muay Thai, kickboxing, or MMA sparring.
The Verdict
For $99 USD (~$150 AUD), Sanabul’s Gold Strike gloves are exactly where I’d place them in terms of value, they are:
- Visually stunning
- Well-constructed (with some tiny stitching quirks)
- Comfortable and roomy
- Great for sparring
But they’re not ideal for feedback-focused fighters or those who prefer that “puncher’s glove” feel on the bag. These gloves are more about protection than performance feedback.
Final Recommendation
If you’re a:
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Novice fighter with a slightly higher budget
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Someone looking for a protective sparring glove
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Fan of slick, premium design
These gloves are well worth a try.
If you’re more into Mexican-style gloves, minimalist knuckle padding, or tight feedback on the bag, you might want to look elsewhere.